When singer-songwriter Tom Irwin discovered an old book of handwritten notes in his family’s Central Illinois farmhouse, he had no idea where it would take him. The book was a diary, written in 1893 by Harry Glen Ludlam, a 16-year-old boy whose family sold the house to Tom’s great grandfather.

The diary brought Irwin back to a time of corn shucking, barn dances, and butternut picking. There were adventures—like visiting the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago—and a family crisis that forever changed Harry’s life.

Irwin began writing and performing songs based on the diary entries. In 2012, he collected the songs in an acclaimed recording, also called “Sangamon Songs.” This new musical, adapted by John W. Arden, takes the story to the next level, giving life to Harry and tying his experiences to those of Irwin’s, across the generations.

Come along on a musical journey through time with Tom Irwin and Harry Glen Ludlam.